As a new engraving enthusiest I have been practicing dillegently for about a month now. I am enjoying all the challenges except one. After only a couple of hours with the Gravermax I find my index finger tip and to some extent, my thumb, to be "numb". I hesitate to call it truly numb, as it also vaguely hurts at the same time. If this was only transitory, it would not be a problem, however, the discomfort lasts for several days! Has anyone else had this malady and if so, did it eventualy go away or did you find a remedy?

Thanks,

Mark

ps. Anyone interested in a MagnagraverII with VARI-PAC option, go to the BUY-SELL section of this web site. No I'm not giving up, I just have an extra engraving tool to sell.

Mark Sedlak
11/15/2005 10:17:01 AM

Mark, I am still very much a newbie, but think I know the answer as I suffered for a while myself. I really think you are "fighting" the tool, gripping too hard and trying to make it do what you want. Learn to relax and guide the tool, you can't force it, and the effort will exhaust you. Took me a while, as I am basically self taught so far. Just keep cuttin' and you will get there.

Mike Atkinson
11/15/2005 7:33:35 PM

mark .. one thing you can do is put a small piece of tubing on your chisel . also i would suggest to all beginners and engravers to try and attend our engravers guild show in Reno on Jan 20 to the 23 . there you can get all of your questions answered directly from the masters and also sit down at the bench and have some one show how it is done .. hope to see you in Reno .. Ron

Ron Nott
11/15/2005 9:36:34 PM

Mike...I agree. I know I've been gripping the tool too hard. I am able to relax a bit when doing the freeform scroll work, but I get into trouble when I need the precision tight parallel shading lines etc. Then I am not so much trying to force the graver, as trying to keep it from "getting away" from me. I know I've got a lot of practicing to do. I was just concerned about the long recovery time it seems to take before the finger tips return to normal sensation (4 days).

Ron...great minds really do think alike! I had already put silicone rubber tubing on the gravers to help cushion the vibration. It does help, but I'm still causing myself grief by gripping too hard. I am giving the Reno show serious consideration. If I can get away, it would be a blast to see how engraving should be done and to meet some of the engravers I've admired.

Thanks,

Mark

Mark Sedlak
11/16/2005 8:20:31 AM

mark .. if you can attend only one day at reno it would be a great help to you there you can show me or othere engravers what you are doing and get an answer to your problem .. hope to see you in reno .. ron

Ron Nott
11/16/2005 8:55:01 AM

I use the rubber finger protectors available at office supply stores...Barry

Barry Lee Hands
11/18/2005 12:06:16 AM

Ditto to Barry's posting. I too use finger protectors from Office Depot.
PS. They also help when you count your money from the job!!!!

John Barraclough
11/18/2005 3:54:45 PM